Sure, Jordan Lynch could be a Heisman Trophy candidate this season. But Northern Illinois didn’t make it to the Orange Bowl last season solely because of one player. (USA TODAY Sports)

You’ve probably heard about Jordan Lynch.

He throws (3,138 yards, 25 touchdowns in 2012). He runs (1,815 yards, 19 touchdowns). And he has a knack for seizing the moment (spearheading Northern Illinois’ run to the Mid-American Conference football title and a berth in the Orange Bowl).

The Huskies’ athletic department has even launched a homespun Heisman Trophy campaign in honor of their senior quarterback — sending voters a collapsible, foam lunchbox, symbolic of his blue-collar demeanor.

It may seem a little cheesy, but Lynch is approaching legendary status.

“I can tell you right now he’s better (than a year ago),” coach Rod Carey said. “I’m anxious to get him on the field, get him to the fight and see what he can do.”

Yeah, Iowa will have its hands full Saturday when Northern Illinois visits Kinnick Stadium for a 2:30 p.m. season opener.

But here’s the rub: If you treat Northern Illinois like a one-man gang, you’re likely to end up with indigestion.

No single player, not even Lynch, can propel a team to a 12-2 finish and No. 22 ranking.

So, it’s time to learn a little more about the supporting cast:

THE BULKY BOYS

The Huskies feature five returning starters on the offensive line, who average 6-feet-4, 296 pounds.

They’ll also have a chip on their shoulder after being manhandled in Miami, where Florida State held them to 259 total yards en route to a 31-10 victory.

“I know they’re not happy,” Carey said. “They got pushed around. Make no doubt about it. That left a bad taste in their mouth.”

The Hawkeyes will counter with a defensive front four that averages 6-4, 284 pounds.

This matchup will be Saturday’s most intriguing tussle.

THE DECOY

Senior tailback Akeem Daniels tends to get lost in all the Lynch love.

“We’re used to it,” Daniels said. “It’s nothing new. It doesn’t get on our nerves.

“It’s actually good, because it gives us national exposure, and that’s great for the university.”